Matthews explained the longevity of the popularity of cannabis in relation to the groups that took it. Throughout the 20th century, whilst other drugs have risen and fallen in popularity and use, cannabis has always remained the number one illegal drug. From the Jazz musicians and bohemians of the 1940’s and 50’s to the hippies of the 1960’s, punks of the 1970’s and early 80’s, the ravers of the late 1980’s and 1990’s and the geezers of the 21st century cannabis has always remained hugely popular. Matthews did also interestingly note that the reason for use had changed from the desire to get ‘high’ in the 1960’s to the need to get ‘utterly battered’ in the 21st century – a social change that can also be seen in people’s attitude to drink through binge drinking.
